Christmas & New Year's Eve Highlights: The 23 December 2018 departure will celebrate Christmas in Lucca and New Year's Eve in Assisi. Each of these specially arranged festive meal celebrations will replace one of the included meals featured in the itinerary.

Trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discount. Discounts are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.

Trip prices are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however are subject to change - please confirm all details at time of booking.

Twin-share option not available for trips to South America, Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, South Africa, Kenya & Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey. It's also not available on Small Group trips. Guided Vacations included in this restriction are Newfoundland and Labrador (DNLA) as well as Panama, the Canal & Beyond (LPAN).

For trips that are part of our Guaranteed Room Share, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms. Solo travel is not accepted on guided Family Experiences holidays unless travelling as part of a family group.

This departure of Wonders of Italy is sold out. However, we have an alternative trip with a similar itinerary - take a look...

Christmas & New Year's Eve Highlights: The 23 December 2018 departure will celebrate Christmas in Lucca and New Year's Eve in Assisi. Each of these specially arranged festive meal celebrations will replace one of the included meals featured in the itinerary.

Trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discount. Discounts are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.

Trip prices are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however are subject to change - please confirm all details at time of booking.

Twin-share option not available for trips to South America, Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii, South Africa, Kenya & Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey. It's also not available on Small Group trips. Guided Vacations included in this restriction are Newfoundland and Labrador (DNLA) as well as Panama, the Canal & Beyond (LPAN).

For trips that are part of our Guaranteed Room Share, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms. Solo travel is not accepted on guided Family Experiences holidays unless travelling as part of a family group.

About this trip

Pay tribute to the extraordinary masterpieces of Italy's greats - the captivating arias of Puccini and splendour of da Vinci, Michelangelo and Botticelli's talents in their full glory throughout this enduring exploration of Italy's alluring art, architecture and old-world charm. See the city of one hundred churches, the imposing towers of picturesque San Gimignano and the seas of pastel pinks, yellows and blues that cling dramatically to the Cinque Terre's Ligurian cliffs.

Benvenuto a Roma! Open your heart to a whirlwind of fiery passion, fascinating antiquities and hearty flavours crafted by Italian mammas over centuries. Spend your first day meandering through the Eternal City before joining your travel companions and Travel Director for a Welcome Reception and orientation drive to see St. Peter's Basilica and the bustling cityscape by night.

Hotel

Il Cantico

Meals

Welcome Reception

Hotel

Il Cantico

Meals

Welcome Reception

Day 1

Day 2

Rome SightseeingDay 2 - Rome Sightseeing

Visit the Vatican for an included sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist at the Vatican Museums. Admire the works of great masters - the smooth, step-less spiral staircase designed by famous architect Donato Bramante and the magnificent frescoed ceiling in the Sistine Chapel and sorrowful Pietà inside of St. Peter's Basilica. In ancient Rome, we remember the brave gladiators who fought for supremacy at the Colosseum during our included visit and see the Circus Maximus where chariots thundered to the applause of thousands. This afternoon we have time to explore more of the city's sights, or relax in the Piazza Navona sipping cappuccinos and watching the world go by.

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Optional Experiences

Piazzas and Fountains of Rome

Discover the most charming areas in the city with a Local Specialist. Wander through the labyrinth of narrow streets and beautiful squares of Rome's historic centre, leading to highlights such as the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon, as well as hidden corners of the Eternal City.

Adult Price: €33.00
(Price is subject to change)

Roman Evening with Dinner

This easy-going evening in Rome begins with a beautiful drive to see amazing city sights. We arrive at one of our favourite restaurants, where you'll enjoy a warm welcome and delicious dinner of local cuisine with drinks and music.

Adult Price: €62.00
(Price is subject to change)

Day 2

Day 3

Rome – Pisa – Lucca (2 Nights)Day 3 - Rome – Pisa – Lucca (2 Nights)

We leave Rome this morning and travel north to the city of Pisa, visiting its Square of Miracles to view the architectural feat of the Leaning Tower and picturesque UNESCO designated Piazza del Duomo with Italy's largest Baptistery. Continue onto Lucca with free time to meander through the medieval streets to admire the 14th Century San Martino Cathedral and the Piazza dell'Anfiteatro built on the site of an ancient Roman arena, relax in Piazza San Michele or ascend one of the city's ancient towers for panoramic views.

Hotel

Grand Guinigi Lucca

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Hotel

Grand Guinigi Lucca

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Optional Experiences

Dinner, Wine And Music In The Tuscan Hills

Join us for a scenic drive through the beautiful Tuscan countryside. We will enjoy a meal at a charming restaurant where a selection of regional favourites is served, accompanied by a selection of local wines and live music. A truly unforgettable experience, with an atmosphere that is the essence of all things Tuscan.

Adult Price: €64.00
(Price is subject to change)

Day 3

Day 4

Cinque Terre ExcursionDay 4 - Cinque Terre Excursion

A sea of pastel pinks, yellows and blues cling dramatically to the Ligurian cliffs in the charming Cinque Terre (Five Lands) UNESCO World Heritage Site which we will have an opportunity to explore today on our included excursion. Join a Local Specialist and travel by train to experience unforgettable old-world charm in a picturesque fishing village that have enchanted visitors who have made the winding journey to this hidden treasure over centuries.

The gentle Tuscan landscape gives way to the hilltop town of San Gimignano, famed for its stunning medieval architecture and 72 historic towers which stand today as a testament to the wealth and power of aristocratic families that lived here centuries ago. We enjoy a Be My Guest lunch with wine in a beautiful family owned vineyard overlooking the rolling Chianti Hills, before arriving in Florence, our home for the next two nights.

Hotel

Grand Mediterraneo

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Be My Guest Dining

Hotel

Grand Mediterraneo

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Be My Guest Dining

Day 5

Day 6

Florence SightseeingDay 6 - Florence Sightseeing

Discover Renaissance treasures, extraordinary art and exquisite architecture in one of the cultural capitals of the world. We join a Local Specialist who will bring the legacy of the influential de'Medici family to life. Walk along the cobblestone lanes into expansive piazze, viewing the magnificent marble Duomo and the replica of the David statue in Piazza della Signoria. View the 400-year-old Ponte Vecchio and admire spectacular panoramic views from Piazzale Michelangelo. The rest of the day is yours to explore the Cradle of the Renaissance on your terms. Visit the masterpieces of Michelangelo, Botticelli and Da Vinci at Uffizi Gallery, wander through the architectural wonder of Palazzo Pitti or shop for high-quality leather and gold.

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Optional Experiences

Michelangelo's 'David' & Accademia

Enjoy an insight into the world of Michelangelo and his masterpiece, David. We visit the Academy of Fine Arts and its Michelangelo collection, where you’ll learn all about the life and works of this immortal Renaissance genius through the expert commentary of our Local Specialist. This optional involves reservations and entrance prepayments. If you decide to cancel this optional, a 50% cancellation fee will be incurred.

Adult Price:
(Price is subject to change)

Tuscan Dinner at Villa Machiavelli

A scenic drive into the Chianti hills, past vineyards, brings us to a delightful hamlet overlooked by an imposing castle. Our destination is the ancient stone house of Machiavelli, where the great political theorist wrote his immortal work, ‘The Prince’. After a welcome drink and visit of the villa and its wine-cellars, we'll enjoy the best of Tuscan cuisine accompanied by great music and drinks, including of course, Chianti from the Villa’s own vines. This is the essence of all great things Tuscan, past and present, condensed into one memorable evening!

Shakespeare's star-crossed lovers are remembered today during our jaunt to the romantic city of Verona where we will view Juliet's Balcony and the 1st century Roman Arena, still used today to host spectacular operatic performances. We venture to Venice next, our home for the next two nights, spending the rest of the afternoon at leisure to meander through the city's labyrinthine calle in search of hidden treasures. Wander along the Grand Canal, watch the sun set over St. Mark's Square or take an Optional Experience to discover this beguiling city.

Hotel

Boscolo Bellini

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Hotel

Boscolo Bellini

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Optional Experiences

Gondolas and the Grand Canal

Join us for a scenic cruise by private water taxi along Venice's Grand Canal. You’ll admire the magnificent palazzi, as well as catching a glimpse of the Rialto Bridge and St. Mark's Square. Later on, you'll glide gracefully on a gondola along Venice’s dreamy, narrow waterways.

Adult Price: €70.00
(Price is subject to change)

Day 7

Day 8

Venice OrientationDay 8 - Venice Orientation

Breathe in the salty smell of the Adriatic and cruise by private launch to visit the city's most spectacular attractions. We cruise by private launch to the island of Giudecca to enjoy a unique Cultural Insight into the centuries-old tradition of Venetian glassblowing before seeing St. Mark's Basilica, the ornate Doge's Palace and the Bridge of Sighs, so named for the sound that prisoners being led to their fate would make upon seeing beautiful Venice for the very last time. This afternoon, sit back and relax at a cosy bacaro sipping the spicy citrus flavours of Spriz Veneziano or perhaps take a cruise across the lagoon to the colourful fishing island of Burano for delicious meal.

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Optional Experiences

Doge's Palace and St. Mark's Basilica

Accompanied by a Local Specialist, you'll visit the magnificent Doge's Palace and its elegant courtyards, which were home to the rulers of the Venetian republic. Afterwards, we've booked an entrance into the Byzantine Basilica of St. Mark the Evangelist, patron saint of Venice.

Adult Price: €42.00
(Price is subject to change)

Lagoon Cruise to Burano with Food and Drinks

Join us as we discover the Venetian Lagoon by private boat. You will enjoy a delicious meal with a selection of drinks on the fishermen's island of Burano, famous for its multi-coloured houses - a real photographer's paradise.

Adult Price: €71.00
(Price is subject to change)

Day 8

Day 9

Venice – Bologna – AssisiDay 9 - Venice – Bologna – Assisi

Travel through scenic countryside to the mystical town of Assisi, stopping en route in the city of Bologna to view its Kissing Towers that lean towards each other, seemingly poised to embrace. We continue to our hotel in Assisi where we will dine this evening.

Discover the legacy of St. Francis of Assisi in his home town on the slopes of Mount Subasio. Ambling Assisi's charming streets, we join a Local Specialist who will take us on a fascinating walking tour to visit the Basilica of St. Francis, renowned for its beautiful frescoes depicting the life of this much-loved saint. We continue to Tivoli for a guided visit with a Local Specialist of the UNESCO World Heritage terraced hillside Renaissance gardens of Villa d'Este. Wander past bubbling fountains, manicured hedges and ornate statues as you soak up the tranquil atmosphere against the panoramic views of this historic hill town. This evening we enjoy an early special Farewell Dinner with our fellow travellers and Travel Director before returning to Rome.

Hotel

Sheraton Parco De Medici

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Farewell Dinner

Hotel

Sheraton Parco De Medici

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Farewell Dinner

Day 10

Day 11

Depart RomeDay 11 - Depart Rome

It's time to say a fond saluto to Italy and our newfound friends after a memorable journey. Transfers are available. Conditions apply.

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Meals

Buffet Breakfast

Day 11

Available Departures

Please see http://www.trafalgar.com:80/en-nz/tours/wonders-of-italy?tripcode=ittr for the latest discounts & departure information.

The Trafalgar Difference

Be My Guest
The Lenzi family invites you to join them for dinner and a Chianti and olive oil tasting on their Tuscan wine farm which is located on the ancient road between Siena and Florence

Cultural Insights
Be inspired by the magnificence of Michelangelo and The Vatican Museums and enjoy an exclusive visit up the spiral staircase designed by the famous architect Donato Bramante in a part of the Vatican not open to the public. Witness the exquisite craft of glassblowing on Giudecca Island, a delicate tradition that generations of Venetian craftsmen have perfected over the centuries

The Trafalgar Experience

Simply Authentic

Enjoy

Enjoy the wonder of travel, crisscrossing the globe through the seasons. On effortless adventures in breathtaking new horizons, forge lifelong friendships and memories. Our lovingly crafted itineraries are a fascinating mosaic of cultures, flavours, festivals and local stories. We’re with you all the way, guiding you and ensuring you experience the real thing: the sheer love of travel, entirely hassle-free.

Simply Authentic

Love... Travel

"Is simply the best way to position what our guests love to experience and what we love to deliver" - Gavin Tollman CEO

Simply Authentic

Meet

Meet warm-hearted locals and like-minded travellers. Along your journey of discovery, stop to share stories and flavours with local farmers, chefs and winemakers. Pause to admire the handicrafts and rich traditions of amazing artisans. Explore the essence of Europe through captivating accounts shared by expert historians and savvy local guides.

Simply Authentic

Taste

Travelling with your tastebuds, treating them to new flavours, spices and textures along the way. From the very first breakfast to the last nightcap, travelling through Europe indulges your palate, with every meal an opportunity to discover regional fare. Savour each new flavour, try the local tipple and take home fresh culinary inspiration. Let us share our love for food and hospitality with you.

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Unwind

Once you've packed your suitcase, we take care of the rest, removing all your concerns so that you can be secure in the knowledge that an award-winning global company with an impeccable reputation has taken care of every little detail. We arrange everything you'll need along your journey - meals, accommodation and travel logistics, because we are with you all the way. Travel the world with peace of mind, knowing you’re in the hands of Trafalgar.